I’m talking all about Microsoft’s official announcement of the Xbox One. How will the specs compare to that of the PlayStation 4 and how will the new hardware benefit the console? What has Microsoft revamped hardware-wise outside of the console itself? And when can we expect the console to launch and what kind of software library should we anticipate? THIS IS NICK’S GAMING VIEW!

Hello everyone and welcome to Nick’s Gaming View, you are here with your host, Nick McCandless. The awaited unveiling of Microsoft’s successor to the Xbox 360 has officially crossed and I am left confused, who signed off on naming the third Xbox the Xbox One? Yes, I understand it’s an all-in-one device that does everything including brushing your teeth, but were marketing complications ever considered? Anyways, moving on from the awkward naming of the console, Microsoft’s Xbox One integrates very similar hardware to that of the PlayStation 4 with a Blu-ray drive, octa-core processor based on AMD’s Jaguar design, 8GBs of RAM, USB 3.0 ports, and runs on an x86 Pc-style architecture, knocking out backwards compatibility. Microsoft also confirmed the console would launch with 500GBs of hard drive storage and will feature Wi-Fi Direct. Xbox One will also include an HDMI in to allow for integration with user’s cable or satellite services. As shown during the unveiling, owners of the Xbox One will be able to simply speak using the new Kinect to launch television, switch to a game, answer Skype calls, multitask with internet browsing and television watching, and more all by voice in a seamless fashion.

Thanks to the impressive hardware within the Xbox One along with the revamped Kinect that will come included with each and every Xbox One sold, Microsoft seeks to takeover the living room as they aimed for with the Xbox 360. Featuring a wide-angle 1080P high-definition depth camera capturing RGB color video at 30 frames per second, utilizing time-of-flight technology to send out light and measure the amount of time it takes to return, and even having the ability to read one’s heartbeat, Microsoft has revolutionized the Kinect making it more powerful than ever before. Along with the new Kinect, Microsoft has also remodeled the controller with over 40 technical and design innovations such as an updated directional pad, thumb stick, integrated battery compartment, and more ergonomic fit with vibrating impulse triggers. The controller will sync seamlessly with the new Kinect using the Wi-Fi direct technology creating a more integrated experience than before.

Confirmed to release later this year to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 4, Microsoft disappointed in the realm of games. Focusing primarily on redefining the television experience, the gaming experience took a hit. Happily for racing fans, Forza Motorsport 5 was announced, but via a teaser trailer, Electronic Arts took the stage to announce their new Ignite engine for next-generation consoles with FIFA 14 providing Ultimate Team exclusively on the Xbox One, Remedy announced their upcoming release titled Quantum Break, and Activision closed out the show with an in-game trailer of Call of Duty: Ghosts confirmed to run at 60 frames-per-second. Ubisoft also confirmed immediately following the announcement that Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag would make an appearance on the One, but this doesn’t come as a surprise. One surprise that does interest me is the fact that Steven Spielberg will be stepping behind the Halo franchise to create a Halo television series to run alongside the game series. While this sparked some excitement for me, it’s disappointing to not see any on-stage demos as seen with the announcement of the PlayStation 4, but Microsoft did catch my attention by announcing the Xbox One will receive 15 first-party exclusives within the first 12 months with 8 of the 12 being original franchises.

Well that concludes today’s episode of Nick’s Gaming View but be sure to follow me on Twitter @NickMcCandless and check back daily for Nick’s Gaming View for your daily access pass to all things gaming.